Country Reports

Saudi Arabia Country Report

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Overview

INTRODUCTION

It is generally safe to travel to Saudi Arabia (population 28.5 million).
However, visitors to this wealthy, oil-producing, and extremely conservative
country - which follows Wahhabism, an ultra-conservative interpretation of
Sunni Islam - should remain vigilant due to potential security issues.

AREAS TO AVOID

The
southern and northern regions close to the Iraqi and Yemeni borders are at high
risk of terrorist attacks. In the south, the border is often targeted by Yemeni
fighters who have been known to launch missiles in cross-border attacks. Houthi
rebels, at war with the Yemeni government since 2014, often penetrate Saudi
territory from the south and even control military bases on the border.

Clashes
often occur between the local population and security forces in the Shi'a-majority
Qatif region in the east. Finally, the desert region between Riyadh and Mecca
is presents security threats to travelers due to its isolation.

The cities
of Mecca and Medina are forbidden to non-Muslims.

POLITICS

The political
situation of the kingdom has witnessed a sweeping change to the status quo in late
2017, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the recently named heir to the
throne and son of reigning King Salman, has seemingly consolidated power and
taken control of the country's foreign policy, economic development, social
reforms, and internal anti-corruption effort. Notably, in November 2017, more
than 200 princes, ministers, and businessmen were detained on corruption charges.

The
prince's "Saudi Vision 2030" scheme seeks to modernize the country and diversify
the oil-based economy; the low price of oil has resulted in economic stagnation
in the kingdom since 2015. Among the country's recent reform efforts are the
announcement in September 2017 that women will obtain the right to drive by
June 2018, and the declaration that a greater emphasis will be placed on
tourism in the future, in addition to other reforms.

Since March
2015, Saudi Arabia has led a military offensive as part of a regional coalition
in Yemen to fight the Houthi rebels. The campaign has included frequent
airstrikes throughout Yemen, as well as ground and maritime campaigns. In
November 2017, the Saudi-led coalition instituted a blockade of Yemen, closing
all land, sea, and air borders in the country following a cross-border missile
attack that was intercepted near the King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in
the capital Riyadh on November 4, 2017. The blockade has since been partially
lifted, though restrictions remain in place at most entry crossings and ports
throughout the country.

In January
2017, the Saudi government severed diplomatic ties with Iran following violent
protests in Tehran during which the Saudi Embassy was ransacked and torched.
Tensions between the two countries remain high. Saudi authorities have also
suspended flights to and from Iran until further notice and have barred their
citizens from traveling to the country.

TERRORISM

The country
has come under increasing pressure due to the growing threat of terrorism. A
planned suicide bomb attack on the Grand Mosque in Mecca during Ramadan in June
2017, as well as a planned attack on the Ministry of Defense in Riyadh in
September 2017, were both reportedly thwarted by Saudi authorities.
Additionally, in October 2017, gunmen attacked guards at the gate of the royal
palace in Jeddah, killing two royal guards.

Terrorist
cells are regularly dismantled. Since February 2014, security forces have been
authorized to arrest and detain anyone suspected of carrying out terrorist
activities and can detain individuals for up to 12 months. Despite a
significant increase in security forces deployed along the Iraqi border, there
is still a high risk of members of terrorist organizations entering Saudi
Arabia via the border.

Eastern
Province is home to numerous Shi'a militants classified by the Saudi government
as terrorists. Clashes between these militants and security forces occur
frequently in the province (especially in the cities of Qatif and Dammam) and
security forces regularly conduct raids in the region. In August 2017, Saudi
officials announced that the historic city center of Al-Awamiyah had been
demolished to try to purge the area of terrorists, who had perpetrated a string
of attacks on security forces in the region.

CRIME

Crime rates
are low in the kingdom.

Kidnappings
carried out by criminal groups are rare. However, the recent increase in
terrorist activity in the country could result in an increase in abductions of
foreign nationals, especially Westerners. Expatriates face a more intense
kidnapping threat than business travelers, especially when traveling to remote
areas.

If such an
incident occurs, avoid the affected area for at least 24 hours and report any
suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Always inform a friend or
colleague of your itinerary and plans, and avoid traveling alone. Carry a cell
phone at all times.

SOCIAL UNREST

Anti-government
protests occur - notably in the kingdom's Eastern Province, where the majority
of the population are Shi'a Muslims.

In January
2016, the Saudi Ministry of the Interior announced the execution of 47 people,
including a prominent Shi'a cleric who had been accused of inciting hatred and
violence. Demonstrations broke out in Eastern Province - including in Qatif,
Al-Awamiyah, and Dammam - due to his political popularity among Shi'a Muslims.

TRANSPORTATION

All flights
to and from Qatar have been suspended since June 2017 until further notice, and
the Saudi-Qatari land border is closed. Saudi Arabia (along with Egypt,
Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates) has also severed diplomatic ties with
Qatar due to accusations that the country was funding terrorist organizations
in the region.

The UK
government has banned passengers flying direct to the United Kingdom from Saudi
Arabia from transporting any electronic device larger than a standard-sized
smartphone (16 cm x 9.3 cm x 1.5 cm / 6.3 in x 3.5 in x 0.6 in) in carry-on
luggage. This includes laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras, DVD players, and
video games, which will have to be stowed in checked luggage for the duration
of the flight. A similar ban previously instated for flights to the United
States was lifted in July 2017.

Foreigners
should be aware that travel by car within Saudi Arabia can be
dangerous. Reckless driving causes a high number of road accidents and
hundreds of deaths each year.

Public
transportation systems are being developed in the country but are not yet
operational. However, buses connect major cities.

By law,
taxis must be booked in advance, even at the airport. Most taxi drivers do not
speak English. Women are not permitted to ride in a taxi alone or with someone
from the opposite sex other than her family or husband. However, authorities
are usually accommodating for foreigners.

The railway
network consists of one line linking Riyadh and Dammam. Five trips, each taking
four to five hours each, are available daily. Women traveling on their own can
only do so in first class.

NATURAL RISKS

Foreign
visitors should be aware that Saudi Arabia's weather can reach
extremes during certain seasons. Temperatures sometimes climb
to 50°C (122°F) or higher and power outages often occur
during heat waves, particularly in the west. Flooding is common in
the northern and western parts of the country, particularly between November
and March.

Sand and
dust storms often occur in the country and can disrupt road and air traffic.

LEGAL

Only
business travelers and family members of those working in Saudi Arabia can
obtain visas, although Muslims going on the pilgrimage to Mecca can obtain a
right of entry. Saudi authorities do not issue tourist visas and anyone with an
Israeli stamp on their passport will be denied entry. The country practices a
system of "sponsorship" (iqama), where foreigners must receive
the backing of a Saudi citizen.

Islam is
the only accepted religion in the country and social and religious customs
should be respected, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. It is
forbidden to drink, eat, or smoke in public during Ramadan. Throughout the
year, women must wear an abaya (long black robe that covers the whole
body) as well as a head scarf. Men should always wear long pants (no shorts).
Consumption of pork and alcohol is prohibited. Books, magazines, and videos
must be deemed as having appropriate and decent content. Pornographic material
is forbidden.

A woman and
a man cannot be seen in public together if they are not married or family
members.

Acts of
homosexuality or adultery are punishable by law.

The
internet is subject to censorship.

HEALTH

Medical
infrastructure in Saudi Arabia is excellent. However, it is important to
subscribe to a medical insurance policy that covers medical fees and urgent
repatriation prior to departure.

There is no
risk of yellow fever; however, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is
required for travelers arriving from countries with risk
of yellow fever transmission.

There is a
risk of contracting malaria in western and southern parts of the country.

Dengue
fever is endemic to some provinces (Ta'if, Jeddah, and Mecca).

Gastric illnesses
are common among tourists. Water is potable, but bottled water is nonetheless
advised for drinking.

Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) remains present in Saudi Arabia. Some 1720 cases
have been reported in the kingdom since 2012. Approximately one-third of
reported patients with MERS have died.

Climate

Saudi Arabia's climate is arid all year long. Summers are very hot and dry, winters mild along the coasts and cooler inland. A rainy season (albeit with low levels of rainfall) lasts from October to April along the western coastal plains. In the center of the country (Nedj) nights are cool and days are scorching. The north and the south of the country is desert.